The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild supports personal growth in the fibre arts through study groups, workshops, mentoring and sharing of experience.

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Winding Down for the Summer

May is here and Spring is flaunting her colours. As the weather improves other activities compete for our attention, the garden, the beach, the golf course or that RV that wants to get out onto the road. Making time for fiber arts is more difficult now that warm sunny weather is encouraging us to go outside. It will only get harder as spring gives way to summer. So now is the time for finishing up those projects we have on hand. Take the fringe twister out onto the patio and finish off that shawl or finish your sewing so you can turn your "studio" back into the spare bedroom before your summer guests arrive.

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners' final meeting of the season will be on Monday May 14th, a week ahead of our usual meeting time. We will meet in June to celebrate friendship and our varied accomplishments with a pot luck lunch. Then the summer months will be given over to finding new inspirations through other activities. We will meet again the third week in September.

canvas weave block design

multiharness canvas weave design

The weaving study groups will also take a summer break. The lace group has been working its way through Donna Muller's book, Handwoven Laces. They have worked on Canvas Weave, Huck spots and lace and Swedish Lace. Summer vacation for this group will include some time to research Bronson Lace. Think lemonade, a weaving book and a chair in the shade of a tree.

The Twill group have been learning about twill weaves beginning with how to change the twill line. From there the group has researched undulating twills, advancing twills, interleaved twills and plaited twills. As a member of this group, I have started to dream about twills and that is a sure sign that a break is needed.
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undulating twill sample

As the formal meetings wind down for the summer a lot of informal events are in the works so don't put that spinning wheel away. Guild members will be demonstrating at various local events starting with the Qualicum Beach Family Days on May 27 at the Qualicum Beach Civic Centre. In June we will host the Bradley Centre Show and Tell and participate in the Oceanside Arts Council summer event. Rumours are that one or more "dye days" will take place now that the weather supports out door activities. Check the "events" posting for information about summer activities.

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About Us

The Qualicum Weavers and Spinners Guild has been part of the Oceanside artisan community since 1991. The guild evolved from a small group of students of noted local weaver Elaine Duncan to approximately 50 members. The group promotes the fibre arts through information sharing, demonstrations and workshops. The group meets the fourth Monday of the month at Qualicum Commons in Qualicum Beach to exchange ideas and learn. Much of the learning occurs in the form of show and tell with individual artisans sharing their experiences. Study groups, workshops and mentoring all support the guild's goal of fostering personal growth in the fibre arts. The guild is a member of the Oceanside Arts Council, The Association of North West Weaving Guilds and the Guild of Canadian Hand Weavers.

Guests are welcome to attend our monthly meetings. For the schedule see Guild Events.

Links of Interest

ELEGANT THREADS

Elegant Threads is the annual show and sale of the Qualicum Weavers and Spinners.

It features one of a kind hand spun yarns, unique clothing, household linens and decor and whimsical creations. All of the items are hand crafted by members of the guild.

Thanks to everyone who helped with the sale including family members who provided the heavy lifting.

Thanks also to Winterfest for helping with the promotion.

If you missed the show look for us in November of 2018

Guild Events

January 16 to 30th, Knitting Basics lessons, Qualicum Commons

January 24, 10 am to 3 pm, Beginners Weaving Course, This course runs for 5 weeks on Wednesdays. It takes place at the guild studio at 744 Primrose St, Qualicum Beach. For more information contact weaversatelier@shaw.ca

Feb 22, 2pm , Exploring More Study Group meeting Qualicum Commons

Feb 23 and 28, Nuno Felting 1 day Workshop, Qualicum Commons (Feb 23rd session is full). This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested in attending the Feb 28th session.

Feb 27, 10 pm, Annual General Meeting, Qualicum Commons

March 5 and 12, 1 to 4 pm, Learning Weaving Drafts. Day 1, the basics, Day 2 profile drafts. This workshop is open to non-members. Contact us if you are interested.

Tuesdays 10 am to 12 pm, Spinning group meets most Tuesdays at the guild studio in Qualicum Commons